Pub assaults land jail time

KAMLOOPS — Two men were sentenced to jail time yesterday for 'wanton and senseless violence' on three men outside of a pub more than three years ago.

Jean-Claude A. Auger, 38, was sentenced to 75 and 45 days of imprisonment to be served concurrently for his assaults on Glen Dondaneau and Douglas Hart. Brian W. Tweedhope, 35, was sentenced to 60 days in prison for his assault on Shawn Beaver. All five were involved in an altercation outside of the Westsyder Pub.

Both Auger and Tweedhope will serve their sentences intermittently on weekends and will not face probation following time served.

Justice Heather Holmes called the incident "wanton and senseless violence" and said the severity is worthy of prison time.

Dondaneau, who was present in court, suffered a broken nose, a cut over his left eye that required ten sutures, an injured finger, and dental damage. Auger was ordered to pay for Dondaneau's dental work.

Hart's injuries included a left eye filled with blood and deafness in one ear caused by dried blood. Beaver suffered a broken cheekbone, a concussion, and his eyes were swollen shut due to the swelling.

Holmes said both Auger and Tweedhope have solid backgrounds and express enormous remorse for their actions as the offences were "out of character."

In a statement, Auger addressed the court to say "I've changed my life substantially.... I am, from the bottom of my heart truly sorry about this."

Chris Thompson, Auger's lawyer, said his client spent $20,000 on his personal rehabilitation, which included producing a one-hour film featuring a discussion of his criminal case. He hopes to use the video as a motivational tool and plans to share it with students.

Tweedhope declined comment.

Both men will begin serving their sentences this Friday.

To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

— This story was corrected at 11:45 a.m. Monday May 5, changing Auget to Auger.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior